O-D-EX “Breaker” released today, January 26th, 2024. Dirtnap Records. Limited edition white vinyl. Arrived just minutes ago on my doorstep from the most excellent Green Noise Records. I have to admit the only exposure I’ve had to O-D-EX prior to this moment listening to Breaker was the preview track shared by Dirtnap Ken, “Ley Line,” when this release was announced for pre-order last month. I loved what I heard and jumped on it and I’m so glad I did! Hard-driving industrial synth-punk, super-buzzy and distorted but with a highly danceable hypnotic beat.

O-D-EX’s Breaker is the debut release from this solo/collaborative project of The Marked Men’s and Mind Spider’s Mark Ryan (we caught him play at 2022’s Dirtnap Fest) and Micah Why (Kitbashes, Mission Giant, Faux Fox). Copy/pasting Ryan’s summary of the project from a piece on Brooklyn Vegan: “Using my old Electribe sampler and weird digital guitar synth pedal, I can usually bash out an idea and almost have it complete as I’m working on it. I don’t have to bring it to the band to flesh it out. I’ve been obsessed by harsh digital noise and letting go of worrying about analog warmth when recording.” And from the Bandcamp page: “Born out of frustration with analog fetishism and too many human band mates, O-D-EX uses the immediacy of digital noise and trashy drum samples to transmit ideas directly into existence. Main influences: Chrome and Mantronix.” It is VERY electric, super-dark, a very underground 80’s club vibe. Besides “Ley Line,” my top tracks are the opener “Spring Break,” “S Drive” and the breakneck “So Nice” which totally reminds me of Industrial Dance night at the Option back in ’88.